Loire Valley: A World of Opportunity
Poised between Northern and Southern France is the UNESCO world heritage region of the Loire Valley; famous for its châteaux, medieval towns, rolling hills and world class wines. Kings, Queens, dukes and aristocrats travelled here to build their châteaux from as early as the 9th century – that’s why the area is sprinkled with some of France’s most opulent estates. With many of these just a stone’s throw away from Les Bordes, Members can explore off-site for a day steeped in rich history and fine French gastronomy.
The Loire is the longest river in France, whose sparkling water is lined by peaceful countryside and vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. Half a millennium of French history can be explored by visiting the Château de Chambord just 20 minutes from Les Bordes – one of the most recognised châteaux in the world.
La Loire à Vélo (The Loire by Bike) cycle trail is a great way to discover The Château de Chambord and many other treasures of the Loire Valley, attracting over one million riders every year from all over the world. From one château to the next, the cycle trail follows the Loire along 900km of pathways right to its mouth on the Atlantic Coast.
From Nantes to Sancerre, the Loire Valley vineyards stretch along the river and cover over 185,000 acres. It’s the longest wine route in the whole of France, and more than a thousand of these vineyards are open to the public, welcoming guests to meet the winemakers and taste their wares.
Fine French food is a way of life. The best-known specialities of Loire Valley are the rillettes de Tours, poached eggs au Chinon, saupiquet nivernais, pâté berrichon with eggs, chicken en barbouille, nougats de Tours, Chinon peaches, sabayon de golden, prune candies, and dried pears. Also at the centre of the local gastronomy; goat’s cheese comes in five different variations. Needless to say, our Members will be spoilt for choice when venturing out to enjoy the region’s cuisine. Sixteen restaurants found in the Michelin guide are located within a 40 minute drive of the estate.
